The stewards were called into action in the finale at Sligo as market rivals Truthwillsetufree and Zalantoun came close in the closing stages of the ten furlong maiden.

Pat Smullen had sent Truthwillsetufree into the lead with over two furlongs to run but Zalantoun emerged to throw down a challenge in the straight.

The leader drifted left inside the final furlong, just as the eventual runner-up came onto her heels, and only a head seperated the pair at the line.

Zalantoun wasn't really impeded by the winner and the Stewards were happy enough to let the result stand.

Truthwillsetufree had stayed on nicely to finish second to Dame Street in a Fairyhouse maiden last time having ruined her chance by running free on her debut.

The winner had been as short as 10/11 in the morning but went to post a 6/4 shot while Zalantoun was supported from 5/2 in the morning and was sent off 11/10f.

"She ran around a bit but the other horse had plenty of time to get past me," said Smullen after the race.

Gary Carson & Alan Magee